The University of North Dakota has been known as the Sioux for over 80 years. The name was picked because the Sioux were said to be "warlike and in fine physique," it was also picked because the Sioux were "good exterminators of the Bison," who could arguable be UND's biggest rival. But, that has all come to a screeching halt. On April 8th, the North Dakota Board of Education ordered UND to change their nickname permanently.
The Fighting Sioux's nickname has been a huge controversy for the last few years. Starting in 2005, the NCAA wanted to remove any school's nicknames that were hostile and abusive. I personally don't think that the Fighting Sioux should have to change their name. If I was from Native American decent, I think it would be an honor to have a university's nicknamed after my tribe. I wish someone would name a university the Fighting Norwegians or something like that.
I think that the media is loving this controversy. They are looking for a good story that will effect many people, and that is exactly what they found. UND's nickname controversy has hit many people close to home. One of the university's biggest supporters, the Ralph Engelstad family has donated millions of dollars to the university. In 2001 they gave $100 million dollars to build a new hockey arena, The Ralph Engelstad Arena. The family said on Friday, "Today, the Engelstad family can't help but feel deeply disappointed, saddened, and deceived. The State Board of Higher Education and the University of North Dakota are turning their backs on UND students, and alumni...the action taken by the Board yesterday disappoints us."
A nickname change would not only be inconvenient but extremely expensive. First, UND has spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to battle this argument in court. Second, the Ralph Engelstad Arena has 2,400 Fighting Sioux logos. Removing all of these logos would basically impossible and unbelievable expensive. The NCAA has not required the university to remove all of these logos, but I'm sure someone will complain about them and force UND to remove all of them. Along with the Arena, all of the athletic teams will need new jerseys to represent the new nickname.
I have to say that I do not like UND, I am more of a NDSU fan. But, I think it is ridiculous that UND has to change their nickname. I feel bad for the students, faculty and alumni of the University of North Dakota for having to go through this unnecessary struggle.
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ReplyDeleteThe Fighting Sioux controversy definitely did get out of hand, and it will be very expensive to remove or change all the Sioux logos. Listening to students from UND, I'm curious to see what kind of backlash will occur. Right now, several people are angry; I wonder if that anger will subside or if people will act out on it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I actually agree that the Sioux should be honored by the (former) nickname. However, I do feel that such a name was not intended to insult the Dakota natives.
The Sioux nickname is a complete disappointment for many people and fans. The Sioux tribes were already to goto school for free and now that is lost. They got to take in the revenue on sales of the Sioux logo, ooh and now thats gone. What other sources of revenue are they going to bring in other than casinos. I guess the board of higher education thinks the lost revenue sales can now be made up in the tuition payments they will now be receiving from the nation.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why people would be dissapointed, I am neither a Sioux or Bison fan, but I was still upset that the Sioux name is gone. It's not like the student athletes at UND were disrespectful to their nickname. Some of the athletes they interviewed were upset that their nickname was gone. It's not like the spirit of the Fighting Sioux will be gone, it's just the nickname.
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